JUST IN: Search & Rescue Operation for KL Sinkhole Victim Has Officially Been Called Off, Says FT Minister

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa just announced that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the victim of the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole incident in Kuala Lumpur has officially been called off.

Berita Harian quoted the de facto Federal Territories Minister as saying that the SAR operation ends today during a media conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

She added that the decision was made after restudying the report from all relevant agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Indah Water Consortium (IWK), the Geological Department and National Nuclear Agency and others, regarding the operation before being tabled to the Cabinet.

Dr Zaliha asserted that the decision was taken in order to get expert views before any further decisions are taken.

Meanwhile, Astro Awani reported that the Federal Territories Minister attributed safety as 1 of the main reasons why the SAR operation has been called off.

She was quoted as saying,

“There are many issues pertaining to safety. Firstly, the safety of the SAR personnel who went underground to search for the victim… The heavy current and others put our personnel in danger.

“Secondly, the safety of the surrounding area, as we all know, like the 2nd sunken road. This is also a concern.

“Thirdly, we need to expedite resuming the daily activities here but at the same time we need to consider visitors’ safety too,”

Dr zaliha mustafa

Dr Zaliha further elaborated that efforts to locate the victim would still continue despite the SAR operation being called off, but would enter a new stage and come under different agencies.

Accordingly, the Federal Territories Minister asserted that the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) would be responsible for utility mapping, land structure analysis and engaging with vendors to help them resume their activities.

So, what do you guys think of Dr Zaliha’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: KL Sinkhole Updates: Search Mission Halted, Underwater Cameras Capture Images of Cloth Fragments